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Page 1: MINOR LEAGUE AFFILIATESdownloads.avalanche.nhl.com/other/pdf/500768 CA MG 135... · 2007-10-09 · 136 MINOR LEAGUE AFFILIATES LAKE ERIE MONSTERS On December 17, 2006, the Colorado

MINOR LEAGUEAFFILIATES

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LAKE ERIE MONSTERS

On December 17, 2006, the Colorado Avalanche signed a long-term affiliation agreement with the new American Hockey League franchise, the Lake Erie Monsters, which will begin their inaugural season in 2007-08.

“It has always been the Avalanche’s goal to have our own independent farm team where we could developprospects with our philosophy,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President & General Manager FrancoisGiguere. “This organization in Cleveland is committed to building a strong hockey team and we’re looking for-ward to being a part of that effort.”

The Avalanche organization has a history with the American Hockey League dating back to 1995-96, when theCornwall Aces served as the club's primary affiliate. After that first season, Colorado would have affiliationagreements with AHL clubs in Hershey, Pa. (1996-2005); Lowell, Mass. (2005-2006) and Albany, N.Y. (2006-2007).

“We’re excited to begin this relationship with the Lake Erie Monsters,” said Avalanche Assistant GeneralManager Greg Sherman, who will serve as the organization’s primary contact with the Cleveland franchise.“This is a very strong and experienced organization in Cleveland and we’re convinced that this affiliation willbe mutually beneficial.”

The new Cleveland franchise was previously operated as the Utah Grizzlies before their AHL franchise rightswere purchased by a group led by Dan Gilbert, owner of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, in May of 2006. Gilbertis also Chairman and Founder of the nation's largest online home mortgage lender, Quicken Loans, Inc.

The Monsters' home ice will be Quicken Loans Arena in downtown Cleveland and the team will practice intheir new, dedicated training facility at Iceland USA in Strongsville, Ohio. Quicken Loans Arena is also hometo the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers.

“We are very excited to be partnered with an ownership group in Cleveland that has the same commitmentto excellence that we have,” said Avalanche Director of Player Development Craig Billington. “We are look-

ing forward to developingour prospects within theAvalanche culture and weknow that the team is ingreat hands with a firstclass operation in the LakeErie Monsters.”

The history of hockey inCleveland dates back to theCleveland Barons of theAmerican Hockey League,which played in the cityfrom 1936-1972. The clubwas one of the most suc-cessful teams in AHL histo-ry, winning 10 division titlesand nine Calder Cups dur-ing that span, both unsur-passed AHL records. Aftertwo years in the National

Hockey League (1976-78) and another 14 seasons with both the International Hockey League and the AHL from1992-2006, the American Hockey League returns to Cleveland for the 2007-08 season.

"The Avalanche has a very high operating standard for us to focus on,” added Lake Erie Monsters PresidentKerry Bubolz. “We're confident the players they are developing with us will have a great environment toreach their potential, not only at The Q, but also at our new, dedicated training facilities at Iceland USA inStrongsville (Ohio), which we feel are the very best in the region."

LAKE ERIE MONSTERS

One Center IceCleveland, Ohio 44115-4001(216) 420-2000www.lakeeriemonsters.com

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LAKE ERIE MONSTERS

DATE GAME

10/6 vs. Grand Rapids10/12 @ Toronto10/13 vs. Hamilton10/14 vs. Toronto10/16 vs. Iowa10/17 vs. Iowa10/20 @ Syracuse10/27 @ Iowa11/2 @ Houston11/4 @ Houston11/10 vs. Quad City11/11 vs. Toronto11/15 vs. Quad City11/17 vs. Toronto11/18 vs. Manitoba11/21 @ Toronto11/23 @ Rochester11/24 vs. Manitoba11/30 @ Toronto12/1 vs. Philadelphia12/2 vs. Syracuse12/5 @ Grand Rapids12/7 vs. Rockford12/8 vs. Rockford12/12 vs. Syracuse12/14 @ Manitoba12/15 @ Manitoba

DATE GAME

12/21 vs. Peoria12/22 vs. Peoria12/26 vs. Grand Rapids12/28 vs. Manitoba12/29 vs. Rochester12/31 @ Manitoba1/1 @ Manitoba1/5 @ Rockford1/6 vs. Hamilton1/9 @ W-B/Scranton1/11 @ Philadelphia1/12 @ Hershey1/19 @ Syracuse1/22 vs. Syracuse1/23 @ Hamilton1/25 @ Rochester1/26 vs. Rochester1/31 vs. San Antonio2/1 vs. San Antonio2/6 @ Hamilton2/8 vs. Grand Rapids2/9 vs. Grand Rapids2/14 vs. Hershey2/15 @ Grand Rapids2/16 @ Hamilton2/18 @ Syracuse2/22 @ San Antonio

DATE GAME

2/24 @ San Antonio2/27 vs. Houston2/29 @ Rockford3/1 @ Peoria3/2 @ Grand Rapids3/7 vs. W-B/Scranton3/8 vs. Grand Rapids3/11 @ Iowa3/12 @ Quad City3/14 @ Chicago3/15 @ Grand Rapids3/18 vs. Chicago3/20 vs. Rochester3/21 @ Peoria3/22 @ Quad City3/25 vs. Manitoba3/26 @ Grand Rapids3/28 vs. Toronto3/29 @ Syracuse3/30 @ Toronto4/2 vs. Houston4/4 vs. Hamilton4/5 @ Hamilton4/8 vs. Syracuse4/12 vs. Hamilton4/13 @ Rochester

LAKE ERIE MONSTERS SCHEDULE

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LAKE ERIE MONSTERS COACHING STAFF

Joe Sacco wasappointed head coachof Colorado’s AmericanHockey League affili-ate, the Lake ErieMonsters, on May 7,2007. He will be behind

the bench when the Monsters drop the puck on theirinaugural campaign in Cleveland this fall.

Sacco, 38, will enter his third season with theAvalanche organization. He served as an assistantcoach for the club’s last two AHL affiliates, the LowellLock Monsters (2005-06) and Albany River Rats(2006-07).

“Joe has been a key part of this organization’s devel-opment efforts over the last two seasons as an assis-tant coach in the AHL ” said Avalanche Executive VicePresident and General Manager Francois Giguere.“He’ll play a vital role in implementing our vision andexecuting our plan of developing our young prospectswithin our system in Cleveland.”

“I definitely feel ready for the challenge,” said Sacco.“The Avalanche organization has built a winning tra-dition in Denver and I want to thank them for their

support and trust in my capabilities. I look forward toworking with a dynamic organization.”

Sacco was a fourth -round draft pick (71st overall) bythe Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft.He appeared in 738 total games over his 13 yearcareer in the National Hockey League, which includ-ed stints with Toronto, Anaheim, New York Islanders,Washington and Philadelphia.

Sacco played for the United States at the 1992Olympics in Albertville, France, where the team fin-ished fourth. Sacco also played for Team USA in the1994 and 1996 World Championships. In 1996, herecorded six points in eight games for Team USA,earning a bronze medal with his squad. Sacco record-ed his 100th NHL assist on March 23, 1999 whileplaying for the Washington Capitals.

Born in Medford, Mass., Joe attended college atBoston University, where he played a total of 111games over three years. He and his wife Tammy havethree children, Joseph, Matthew and Christina.

JOE SACCOHEAD COACH - LAKE ERIE MONSTERS

Former Avalanchedefenseman SylvainLefebvre will make hiscoaching debut forColorado’s AmericanHockey League affili-ate, the Lake Erie

Monsters, in 2007-08. This marks his second seasonwith the organization, as he spent the 2006-07 cam-paign as a development scout.

Lefebvre, 39, appeared in 945 NHL contests over 14seasons with Montreal, Toronto, Quebec, Coloradoand New York Rangers organizations, totaling 30goals, 154 assists and 674 penalty minutes. He waspart of the Avalanche defensive corps for four sea-sons from 1995-1999, including the club’s StanleyCup Championship campaign of 1995-96. He

appeared in a total of 129 playoff games, amassingfour goals and 14 assists.

“With his extensive experience as an NHL defense-man, Sylvain will be a great resource for our youngdefensemen as they grow into NHL-caliber players,”said Avalanche Executive Vice President and GeneralManager Francois Giguere. “We are excited aboutwhat Joe and Sylvain will bring to our organization’sdevelopment efforts. Both of them have the neces-sary background and experience to lead our AHLteam.”

Sylvain and his wife, Marie Claire, have four children:Jade-Isis (18), Djan-Alexandre (16), Jordan (15) andAlexanne (11).

SYLVAIN LEFEBVREASSISTANT COACH - LAKE ERIE MONSTERS

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LAKE ERIE MONSTERS STAFF

David Oliver begins hisfirst season as generalmanager of Colorado’sAmerican HockeyLeague affiliate, theLake Erie Monsters.

Selected by theEdmonton Oilers in the seventh round (144th overall)of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, Oliver played in 233career NHL games with the Oilers, New YorkRangers, Ottawa Senators, Phoenix Coyotes andDallas Stars.

Overall, the former right wing spent 13 years in pro-fessional hockey, including parts of eight seasons in

the National Hockey League. He scored 49 goals andadded 49 assists for 98 points during his NHL career.He made his NHL debut on Jan. 20, 1995 and went onto lead the Oilers with 16 goals during that shortenedseason, becoming the first rookie in franchise historyto lead the team in goal scoring. He followed that upwith a 20-goal campaign in 1995-96. Oliver’s playingcareer included 10 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffswith the Rangers and Stars.

A native of Sechelt, B.C., David played four seasonsof collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan. Hewas named the CCHA’s Player of the Year in 1993-94.

David and his wife, Shawna, reside in Cleveland.

DAVID OLIVERGENERAL MANAGER - LAKE ERIE MONSTERS

Glenn Burke is begin-ning his first seasonwith the Avalancheorganization, as he willserve as the head ath-letic trainer for theteam’s American

Hockey League affiliate in Cleveland.

Burke has spent the last two seasons as the headtrainer for the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario HockeyLeague. In addition to his work in the OHL, Burke hasalso spent the past two years as the head athletictherapist for the Niagara Spears football team (OVFL).

Prior to joining the Sudbury Wolves, Burke spent oneseason as the assistant trainer for the HamiltonBulldogs of the American Hockey League. A graduateof the University of Cape Breton with a BACS (sportopt) Degree, Burke continued his education atSheridan College graduating with the Sports InjuryManagement Diploma.

In his spare time, Burke owns and operates BurkePure Energy, a weight loss, nutrition and supplementdistributor.

Glenn and his wife, Maria, have a son, Riley.

GLENN BURKEHEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER - LAKE ERIE MONSTERS

Terry Geer will handlethe equipment needsfor the Lake ErieMonsters during theirinaugural season of2007-08, as he wasnamed the club’s head

equipment manager this summer.

Geer just completed his fourth season as a full-timeassistant on the Avalanche equipment staff, hiseighth season overall with the organization. Prior tojoining the Avs in a full-time role, Geer staffed theNHL visiting team dressing room at Pepsi Center from1999 to 2002.

Geer, 31, grew up playing hockey for the Arvada(Colo.) Hockey Association for 13 years as a goal-tender. In 1991 at the age of 15, he began working atthe North Jeffco Ice Arena. Following nearly fouryears of working construction, he returned to NorthJeffco in 1997, learning the craft of ice maintenance.In the fall of 1997, he was appointed Head of IceMaintenance at the South Suburban Family SportsCenter, practice facility of the Avalanche. He main-tained that post until 1999 when he was invited tostaff the visiting room at Pepsi Center.

TERRY GEERHEAD EQUIPMENT MANAGER – LAKE ERIE MONSTERS

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JOHNSTOWN CHIEFS

The Johnstown Chiefs will serve as the Avalanche’s secondary minor league affiliate in 2007-08.

"We look forward to our new relationship with the Colorado Avalanche organization. They have a winning tradi-tion in Denver that is almost unparalleled,” said Chiefs Majority Owner Neil Smith. “The Avalanche has a greatplayer development system and it is an honor to be part of it."

Based out of Johnstown, Pa., the Chiefs had been affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the last three sea-sons. In the Chiefs’ 20 year history, they have had NHL affiliations with Boston, New Jersey, Pittsburgh,Philadelphia, Calgary and San Jose.

“We are very excited to be working with an organization like the Avalanche“ said Chiefs Head Coach Ian Herbers.“Our primary goals in Johnstown are to win games and develop players. We look forward to developing theirplayers for the AHL and NHL while creating a winning culture here in Johnstown.”

“We are looking forward to this new relationship with the Johnstown Chiefs. They are celebrating a milestoneseason and it should be an exciting one for their fans,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President & GeneralManager Francois Giguere.

Johnstown Staff

Kevin McGeehan, Vice President Ian Herbers, Head Coach Mic Midderhoff, Equipment ManagerDoug Nelson, Director of Business Operations Eric Wolfgang, Director of Sponsorship and Ticket Sales Ray Schmitt, Director of Broadcasting Jim Edwards, Team Consultant Doug Heck, Team Videographer

DATE GAME10/10 vs. Youngstown10/12 vs. Wheeling10/13 @ Wheeling10/18 vs. Wheeling10/20 vs. Reading10/21 @ Trenton10/24 vs. South Carolina10/26 @ Elmira10/27 vs. South Carolina10/31 vs. Trenton11/2 @ Dayton11/3 @ Wheeling11/10 vs. Reading11/16 vs. Dayton11/17 vs. Trenton11/21 vs. Columbia11/23 vs. Wheeling11/24 @ Wheeling11/30 vs. Cincinnati12/1 vs. Wheeling12/4 @ Augusta12/5 @ Columbia12/7 @ Charlotte12/8 @ South Carolina12/9 @ South Carolina

DATE GAME12/13 @ Cincinnati12/14 @ Cincinnati12/15 @ Dayton12/21 vs. Cincinnati12/22 vs. Cincinnati12/27 @ Trenton12/28 @ Wheeling12/31 vs. Elmira1/4 @ Wheeling1/5 @ Wheeling1/11 @ Elmira1/12 @ Reading1/18 vs. Dayton1/19 @ Reading1/20 @ Trenton1/25 @ Dayton1/26 vs. Dayton1/27 vs. Reading1/30 @ Elmira2/1 @ Reading2/2 vs. Dayton2/3 vs. Elmira2/8 vs. Elmira2/10 vs. Trenton2/13 vs. Gwinnett

DATE GAME2/15 vs. Texas2/16 vs. Dayton2/18 @ Trenton2/22 @ Cincinnati2/23 @ Dayton2/24 vs. Trenton2/27 vs. Reading2/29 @ Wheeling3/1 @ Reading3/2 @ Elmira3/7 vs. Wheeling3/8 vs. Elmira3/9 @ Trenton3/15 vs. Elmira3/16 vs. Reading3/18 @ Cincinnati3/19 @ Cincinnati3/21 vs. Cincinnati3/23 vs. Wheeling3/28 @ Wheeling3/29 vs. Cincinnati3/30 vs. Trenton4/2 @ Reading4/4 vs. Wheeling4/5 @ Dayton

JOHNSTOWN CHIEFS SCHEDULE

Johnstown Chiefs

326 Napoleon St. Johnstown, PA 15901(814) 539-1799

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